What Makes a Rental Application Stand Out to Landlords

13 December 2025

Renting a home isn't just about finding the perfect place—it's about convincing the landlord that you're the perfect tenant. With rental markets getting more competitive, landlords can afford to be picky. So, how do you make your rental application stand out from the rest?

Spoiler alert: It’s not just about filling out a form and hoping for the best. It requires strategy, preparation, and a little bit of charm. Let's dive into what landlords look for and how you can position yourself as the ideal tenant.

1. A Complete and Well-Organized Application

First impressions matter. A half-filled or sloppy rental application is a surefire way to get overlooked. Ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and neatly organized is the first step to making a great impression.

What Should Be Included?

A strong rental application typically includes:

- Personal Information (full name, contact details, etc.)
- Employment Details (job title, employer, salary, and length of employment)
- Rental History (previous addresses, landlord references)
- Income Verification (recent pay stubs or tax returns)
- Credit Report (if required)
- Personal References (someone who can vouch for your character)

The more information you provide upfront, the fewer back-and-forth delays there will be. Landlords appreciate an applicant who makes their job easier.

2. A Strong Rental History and References

Think of a rental history as your landlord resume. If you’ve been a responsible tenant in the past, make sure your rental application highlights that.

How to Make Your Rental History Work for You

- Provide accurate and up-to-date contact details for previous landlords.
- Request written references from past landlords stating that you paid rent on time and kept the property in good condition.
- If you don’t have rental history (first-time renters, for example), a letter from an employer or personal reference can help fill the gap.

Landlords want reassurance that you're not going to be a nightmare tenant. A glowing reference can do wonders.

3. Proof of Stable and Sufficient Income

At the end of the day, landlords want to know that you can pay rent consistently. Your income is one of the most critical factors in your application.

What You Can Do to Strengthen This Area

- Provide recent pay stubs (usually the last three months).
- If you’re self-employed, offer tax returns, bank statements, or a letter from a CPA.
- A rule of thumb is that rent should not exceed 30-40% of your income—if your income is below this margin, offering a co-signer might help.

If your finances show stability, you’re already ahead of applicants who are vague about their earnings.

4. A Good Credit Score

Like it or not, your credit report can either open or close doors in the rental process. Landlords often check credit scores to gauge financial responsibility.

Ways to Improve or Offset a Lower Credit Score

- If you have good credit (above 670), highlight your score in the application.
- If your score isn’t ideal, include a short, honest explanation and steps you’re taking to improve it.
- Offer a larger security deposit or find a co-signer to reassure the landlord.

A landlord's biggest fear is a tenant who won’t pay. A solid credit score tells them you’re financially responsible.

5. A Convincing Cover Letter

Most applicants submit a basic form and move on. But what if you added a personal touch? A short cover letter can make your application more memorable.

What to Include:

- Express why you love the property and your enthusiasm about living there.
- Highlight your reliability, stable income, and great rental history.
- Keep it short, friendly, and professional—no need to write a novel.

A well-written cover letter helps you stand out from applicants who just tick boxes.

6. A Willingness to Offer a Larger Deposit

If you're financially able, offering a higher security deposit or prepaying a few months of rent can be a game-changer. This reassures landlords that you're serious and financially stable.

While this isn’t always necessary, it’s a great way to gain an edge in competitive rental markets.

7. A Pet Resume (If You Have Pets)

Got a furry friend? Many landlords are hesitant about pets due to potential damage. Instead of hiding your pet, embrace it and prove you’re a responsible pet owner.

What a Pet Resume Should Include:

- Pet’s name, age, breed, and size
- Vaccination records
- Professional training certificates (if applicable)
- References from previous landlords (if available)

Showing that your pet is well-behaved and properly trained can help alleviate landlord concerns.

8. Be Prompt and Professional

How you communicate throughout the application process says a lot about you as a tenant. Responding promptly to emails, answering phone calls, and being courteous make a big difference.

Pro Tips:

- Double-check your application before submitting it.
- Respond quickly if the landlord requests additional details.
- Be punctual for meetings or property viewings.

Landlords appreciate applicants who are serious, responsive, and respectful—it signals that you’ll take good care of their property.

9. Offer a Co-Signer (If Necessary)

If your income, credit score, or rental history is weak, a co-signer can improve your chances significantly. A co-signer essentially guarantees that rent will be paid, making landlords more comfortable with approving your application.

This is especially useful for students, first-time renters, or those with lower credit scores.

10. Be Honest and Transparent

Honesty goes a long way in building trust with landlords. If you’ve had past rental issues—such as a missed payment or an eviction—own up to it and explain how you've worked to improve your situation.

Landlords appreciate applicants who are upfront and responsible rather than those who try to hide red flags.

Final Thoughts

Standing out in a sea of rental applicants isn’t about luck—it’s about being prepared, professional, and proactive. A strong rental history, solid income, good credit, and excellent communication can make all the difference.

Think of your rental application like a job interview. Would you hire yourself as a tenant? If the answer is "yes," you're on the right track. If the answer is "not yet," use these tips to refine your application and increase your chances of getting approved.

A great rental application isn't just about paperwork—it's about showing the landlord that you're the kind of tenant they’d love to have. Happy renting!